Everest Base Camp verses Annapurna Base Camp which is the correct trek for you? This page covers 25 years of experience trekking and leading treks in Nepal, so sit back, relax and start reading. If you would like to schedule a 15 minute consultation with one of our team contact us today. You can also check out all our upcoming trips here and go to our YouTube page and watch more videos from trekking to Everest or Annapurna Base Camp.
Where Should you Start Trekking
So, you want to trek to Everest Base Camp or maybe start with Annapurna Base Camp. Firstly, we want you to understand the difference between trekking to Annapurna Base Camp verses the longer higher altitude trek of the Annapurna Circuit trek.
These are two very different treks that often get confused. Choosing between the Annapurna Base Camp trek and the Annapurna Circuit trek depends on your preferences and fitness level.
The Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek is a shorter route, mostly below 3,000m (10,000 feet), with steep ascents and thousands of stairs. It takes you deep into the Annapurna Sanctuary, offering close-up views of Annapurna I and Machhapuchare without extreme altitude. 
The Annapurna Circuit Trek
On the other hand, the Annapurna Circuit trek covers a larger loop around the Annapurna massif, reaching higher altitudes like the Thorong La Pass at 5,416m (17,769 feet). It’s a longer, more varied trek with diverse landscapes, from subtropical forests to high-altitude deserts, making it more demanding.
Both treks are stunning, but the Annapurna Base Camp trek is ideal for those seeking a challenging yet shorter adventure, while the Annapurna Circuit is perfect for trekkers looking for an extended, high-altitude challenge. Proper training is key for either trek to fully enjoy the breathtaking Himalayan views.
International Tourism Award
In 2019, we won the international tourism award in Nepal and have been leading treks across Nepal for 20 years. We have designed our own itineraries to offer optimal acclimatization with 4 guides for every group of 10 trekkers.
In this post we will provide as much information as possible to help you understand the differences in trekking to Everest and trekking to Annapurna Base Camp.
Picking the Right Itinerary
After climbing Everest and leading over 40 treks I must recommend more acclimatization on all our Everest Base Camp treks. Without the correct acclimatization you risk altitude related issues and from our experience risk safety and your chance to enjoying the overall experience.
This is because the Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek route has more than one path leading there and back. And you can also add on some exciting detours. If you have time we recommend either our sleeping at Everest Base Camp Trek or Everest Base Camp trek via Gokyo.
On the Annapurna Circuit Trek (ACT), after the Thorong La Pass at 5,416m (17,769 feet) you can now drive out, meaning you can decide to skip the later part of the trek. You can end the Annapurna Circuit trek in different places and you can add an exciting loop into the Nar and Phu Valleys to make this trek longer. You can even add in Poon hill at the end of the circuit if you want more time in the Annapurna region.
The Annapurna Base Camp can be turned into a circuit if you hike to Poon Hill first and hike to Tadapani back into the main Annapurna Base Camp Trek. You can shorten this trek by heading to Jhinu into Chhromrong and follow the valley to Machhapureare Base Camp (MBC) and into Annapurna Base Camp.
Trip Durations
1). Traditional Everest Base Camp Trek – 15 Days
2). Sleeping at Everest Base Camp Trek – 16 Days
3). Everest Base Camp Via Gokyo Lakes and Cho La Pass – 18 Days
4). The 3 Passes Trek via Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar – 21 Days
5). Annapurna Base Camp Trek – 8 Days
6). Poon Hill and Annapurna Base Camp Trek – 12 Days
7). Annapurna Circuit Trek – 17 Days
If you would like further information on any of these itineraries and our unique service contact us today for further information. We are happy to set up a call and help you discover the correct itinerary of you.
Which Trek is Right for me?
I get this question almost every day. I always ask people what do they want to experience. Some people are looking more for the physical challenge, other more education, culture, personal growth or mountain views.
The attractions and experience of any trekking route are many. In addition to the above it’s mostly your personal preferences, available time and level of service you require and what you are trying to gain for a trekking adventure. We will review the Annapurna Base Camp trek and Everest Base Camp trek in detail to help you decide which is the better trip for you right now.
The topics we discuss to help you decide include:
• Being Physically prepared.
• What sort of experience you are looking for.
• How much of Nepal you wish to explore.
• When you want to travel.
• The real cost of these treks.
Our Trek Dossiers
When you sign up for one of our treks, you’ll receive a meticulously crafted, comprehensive dossier developed from over 20 years of trekking and mountaineering expertise. This detailed guide is designed to set you up for success, covering everything from packing lists and route insights to acclimatization advice and training recommendations.
Additionally, our dedicated team is available five days a week to provide personalized support, answer your questions, and ensure you have every detail you need for a safe and unforgettable adventure.
Accessibility of Annapurna Base Camp vs. Everest Base Camp
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek and the Everest Base Camp Trek may both take place in the majestic Himalayas of Nepal and involve trekking at high altitudes, but they differ significantly in terms of accessibility. Reaching Everest Base Camp usually requires a flight into Lukla, or a helicopter on many occasions.
Lukla is known for its unpredictable weather, which can affect both arrivals and departures. On the other hand, Annapurna Base Camp is more accessible, typically starting with a flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, a well-connected city by road and air. This ease of access makes the Annapurna Base Camp Trek a more convenient and accessible option for many trekkers.
Getting to the start of the Everest Base Camp trek
For both treks you need to fly into Kathmandu, as already mentioned, as the capital has the country’s only international airport.
Once in Kathmandu, however, those headed to the EBC trek need to drive 5 hours out to Ramechhap airstrip and then take a short 20-minute flight to the town of Lukla, which is the trek’s starting point. We highly recommend taking the helicopter direct from Kathmandu to Lukla to avoid any delays. By taking the helicopter you avoid the long drive in the middle of the night and avoid getting stuck in the middle of nowhere with minimal resources.
You could feasibly start the EBC trek the day after you arrive in Nepal! We will pick you up at the airport and transfer you to our hotel in Thamel, Kathmandu and resting up. Also, a night or a couple of nights stopover in Kathmandu allows some important wiggle room should anyone’s flight or baggage into Nepal be delayed.
Important Note
As of 2025, you mostly cannot fly directly to Lukla from Kathmandu as there is major airport construction underway alongside heavy air traffic in and out of Kathmandu International airport. This means you need to drive east to Ramechhap airstrip and then fly to Lukla from there.
This is not a good option, and we recommend getting on a helicopter direct from Kathmandu. The helicopter option, currently seems to be the only way forward for our groups trying to access Lukla in the Everest region. Remember the drive to Ramechhap is four to five hours in the middle of the night and then you have to start hiking.
On the return it can take up to 7 hours to drive back to Kathmandu as traffic can be heavy.
Lukla – The start of the Trail
Lukla is a small town at 2,850m (9,350 feet) above sea level. Its airport has a notoriously short runway. Poor weather conditions also can and do delay flights more than is the normal. For this reason, our first day of trekking along the Everest Base Camp route is either 6 hours to Monjo or 3 hours to Phakding. This all depends on our arrival time in Lukla.
Getting to the Start of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek
The accessibility of the Annapurna Base Camp is a very different matter. After a night in Kathmandu, we fly direct to Pokhara. Avoid the dangerous drive at all costs. The flight to Pokhara is a 30-minute scenic flight with stunning views of Manaslu and amazing views right along the Himalayan range. Once you arrive in Pokhara We’ll be driven to a nice hotel close to the main street and the lake.
After a nice relaxing day and night in Pokhara we drive by 4 x 4 jeep all the way up to Tikhedhunga. Today is day 3 of our itinerary and the actual trekking begins! We will wake early for breakfast and then drive from Pokhara to Tikhedhunga (1,577m/ 5,173 feet), which takes approximately 3-4 hours.
Once you arrive in Tikhedhunga, we will have lunch before beginning our hike! We will follow the staircase all the way up to Ulleri which is at 2,020m/ 6,627 feet. The hike will take approximately 2 hours before we reach Ulleri where we will stay overnight at a lodge. Sometimes we hike for another 45 minutes and get closer to Ghorepani.
Poon Hill
At Ian Taylor Trekking all our itineraries have more acclimatization than other companies. Over the last 25 years of going to high altitude we have learned that you don’t have good acclimatization, you have nothing.
So, our Annapurna Base Camp trekking itinerary starts with a trek to Ulleri, to Ghorepani and Poon Hill before following an old trade route to Tadapani before moving towards Chhomrung. From Chhomrung we move into the valley that leads to Machapuchare Base Camp and then Annapurna Base Camp.
We then hike back down to Jhinu and the Jhinu Danda hot spring. Our 12 day Annapurna Base Camp itinerary is hands down the best way to make this special journey to the Annapurna Sanctuary.
Communications
Both the Everest Base Camp trek and Annapurna Base Camp route have pretty good mobile phone reception and 3G connectivity. Dingbouche on the Everest trek doesn’t have the best cell service. Naturally mobile reception can be spotty in certain of the more remote places.
There are Ncell towers throughout the Everest region that even provide connectivity to those climbing Mount Everest. You can make calls from Everest Base Camp, just in case you need to phone home!
Distance Trekked on the Everest Trek
On the Everest Base Camp trek with a helicopter return, we follow the classic route to base camp. This is the most direct route and totals 66 km (41 miles). However, when you include the acclimatization days, as well as the short hike from base camp to Gorakshep (where you sleep that night), and the roundtrip hike to Kala Patthar the morning before your helicopter flight, you actually hike roughly 72 km (45 miles).
On the tradition EBC trek you trek roughly 120 km (75 miles) in total. This includes the trek to Gorakshep after reaching base camp as well as your hike up Kala Patthar the next day.
For the EBC and Gokyo Lakes trek, you cover 137 km (85 miles) in total. This includes the Kala Patthar hike. With those included, you cover 121 km (75 miles). We love this route because you see some different scenery on the return trip because we do a loop instead of heading back the same way we came in. You also see experience the heart of the Everest region.
For the EBC and Three Passes trek, you cover a whopping 185 km (115 miles). This includes the Kala Patthar hike. It also includes the Gokyo Ri roundtrip day hike. The three passes trek is the most challenging and most demanding Everest trek and should only be attempted by seasoned hikers.
Annapurna Circuit
The Annapurna Circuit is a large loop that takes you through the mountains of the Annapurna Massif. It ranges from 160 to 230 km (99 to 143 miles). The longer route is the path that was popularized in the 1970s. Such a trek takes over a fortnight to complete and nowadays many opt to trek just the middle portion of it. Check out our preferred itinerary.
Summary: There are long and short distances for both EBC and ABC Treks
Depending on the trek route you choose, you can trek for about 65 km (44 miles) on the EBC trek or 121 km (75 miles) on the Gokyo Lakes variation or 124 km (77 miles) on the Three Passes variation.
For the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, you can trek for just 50 km (31 miles) or opt to tackle 119 km (74 miles) on the more scenic trek to Poon Hill and Annapurna Base Camp.
Trekking Trails
The trail along the Annapurna Base Camp route is generally in good condition. This trail is full of manicured stairs, as in recent years the local community have restricted the number of rooms which helps with numbers trekking to Annapurna Base Camp.
Overall, however, the trails are a bit gentler on the ABC trek than they are on the EBC trek.
Dawa Chhiri Sherpa
We have 5 full-time staff on the ground in Nepal and 15 trekking and mountaineering guides who have all worked with for years, some over 10 years. Along the Annapurna Base Camp trail our lead guide is often Dawa Sherpa. Dawa has been leading treks to Annapurna Base Camp and the Everest Base Camp trek for 35 years.
Elevation Reached
Both the Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp treks take you deep into the heart of the Himalayas, offering breathtaking views and unforgettable mountain experiences. However, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek generally features more manageable elevations, making it an excellent option for trekkers seeking a high-altitude adventure with slightly less physical demand.
While Everest Base Camp reaches an altitude of 5,364 meters (17,598 feet), Annapurna Base Camp peaks at a comparatively lower 4,130 meters (13,550 feet). This difference not only reduces the risk of altitude-related challenges but also allows for a more gradual and accessible trekking experience, particularly for those with limited time or for first-time high-altitude trekkers.
Everest Base Camp Elevation
The EBC trek starts at 2,850m (9,350 feet) in Lukla. Everest Base Camp itself stands 5,364m (17,600 feet) above sea level. But Everest base camp isn’t the highest point on the trek; we also hike up Kala Patthar (‘Black Mountain’), which is 5,645m (18,520 feet) above sea level.
The Traditional Everest trek ascends almost 5,000m (16,404 feet) during the trek from Lukla to Kala Patthar and back to Lukla. Don’t be fooled by people telling you it is less. This is a challenging trek which requires excellent acclimatization on the way up and excellent endurance and leg strength for the downhill.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Elevation Gains
The Annapurna Base Camp sits at 4,130m (13,549 feet) and requires us to trek to a lower altitude throughout the Annapurna trek than the Everest Base Camp trek.
The ABC trek begins at Tikhedhunga 2,020m (6,627 feet).
Over the next few days we trek to Poon Hill 3,210m (10,531 feet) before dropping back down to Chhomrung 2,140m (7,020 feet) before ascending to the highest point at Annapurna Base Camp 4,130m (13,549 feet) above sea level. Learn more here.
The EBC Trek Involves a Bigger Jump in Elevation
The Everest Base Camp trek route requires you to climb just a little further in elevation than the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. If you enjoy figures, you might like to know that you achieve an elevation gain that’s more on the EBC trek than that of the ABC trek.
When you include the hike up Kala Patthar, your altitude gain on the EBC trek is 568m (1,863 ft) more than on the AC. ??????
Time Spent at Altitude
The Everest Base Camp trek involves spending much more time above 4,000m than does the Annapurna Base Camp trek. This means more time in rarified air, where exerting yourself is far more exhausting. The mental and bodily strain of the EBC trek is therefore more than that of the ABC trek.
It’s important to note that the higher you climb, the more chances you have of developing altitude symptoms, such as headaches and dizziness. These aren’t too problematic and can be medicated to a degree.
The only problem is if you develop severe mountain sickness. For this reason and decades of research recommend spending more time around 3,500m (11,500 feet) before moving higher. We have three nights at this elevation on all our Everest Base Camp treks.
When you engage in high-altitude trekking, especially for the first time, it’s important to understand and accept that if you develop severe symptoms, you’ll have to abort your trip and descend quickly to a lower altitude.
The risk of severe altitude sickness
I read posts all the time and hear guides saying altitude sickness is rare. I can tell you if it not. The effects of altitude are influencing everyone to one degree or another. Your strategy needs to be more acclimatization especially lower on the trail.
On Kilimanjaro we see a lot of people skipping critical acclimatization the success rates show it. All of our research shows have an additional 24 hours in critical altitude zones can make or break your experience. Why compromise acclimatization, it will make all the difference.
Hydration, Ibuprofen and Diamox in this order can be great aids to managing your journey into High altitude and we know they work.
Trigger Point at High Altitude
I have seen it, but altitude sickness is rare below 8,200 feet. We know that anything above 2,500m (8,200 feet) above sea level is considered High Altitude. We also know that at elevations above 5,500 meters (18,000 feet), the human body cannot sustain life indefinitely due to the extreme physiological stress caused by low oxygen levels and decreased air pressure.
This is why prolonged stays at such altitudes are not viable without acclimatization or artificial oxygen support. Most of the world’s population resides below 3,000 meters (10,000 feet) because higher elevations pose significant challenges to the body, including reduced oxygen availability and increased strain on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
Key elevations such as 3,658 meters (12,000 feet) and 4,267 meters (14,000 feet) are recognized as critical ‘trigger points’ for high-altitude acclimatization. These altitudes often mark the thresholds where the risk of altitude sickness increases significantly, requiring more time to adapt.
Spending adequate time at these elevations allows the body to make essential physiological adjustments, such as increasing red blood cell production and improving oxygen delivery to tissues. Proper acclimatization at these trigger points is crucial for minimizing the risks of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and ensuring a safer ascent to higher altitudes.
Never Compromise on Acclimatization
The risk of a ruined trip due to severe altitude sickness is slightly higher on the Everest Base Camp trek than on the Annapurna Circuit, as with the former you climb higher and also spend more time at high altitude. Further, the Everest Base Camp trek allows only one acclimatization day, while the Annapurna trek has two worked in.
If you’ve never trekked at altitude, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is probably the smarter option for you.
Firstly, given that you don’t have to trek quite so high on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, the toll on your body from the thin air will be much less. This trek could serve as a testing ground for your ability to cope with altitude. (Note that altitude sickness strikes randomly, and even the fittest of people can suffer from it.)
Secondly, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a shorter trek, so if you develop severe symptoms and have to turn back, you’d be missing out on fewer trekking days.
And thirdly, the Annapurna trek includes quite a few days of travel and sightseeing at low altitude, so even if it turns out that you can’t complete your trek owing to severe altitude sickness. Just note, that our itineraries are designed with optimal acclimatization and safety in mind.
Weather
Weather is a major deciding factor when it comes to planning any high-altitude trek. It simply has to be. The weather in the Himalayas is both highly variable and at times extremely dangerous.
The Everest Base Camp trek is in Nepal’s eastern Himalayas, and the Annapurna Circuit in the central Himalayas. While the weather patterns are similar in both regions, the timing and intensity of the various weather systems affecting them do differ a little.
You can learn more here about the best months for trekking to Everest Base Camp and trekking to Annapurna Base Camp.
Summer monsoon
In summer Nepal is affected by the Indian monsoon, the world’s most prominent monsoon system. The monsoon brings lots of rain, high temperatures and humidity to the Himalayas from June to September. In fact, Nepal receives 80% of its rainfall during summer.
The two main weather systems that we as trekkers have to consider are the summer and winter monsoons.
Very few embark on the Annapurna or Everest Base Camp treks in summer, as the rains make the trails slippery and dangerous, never mind the obvious unpleasantness of hiking in downpours. While parts of both treks take you into the rain shadow of the high Himalayas, the lower parts of the trek routes are very much affected by the monsoon rains and so make summer a bad time for trekking.
Winter monsoon
The winter monsoon brings cold temperatures, wind and snow from northern Asia to Nepal between December and February. Some intrepid souls choose to hike the Annapurna Circuit and Everest Base Camp trails in winter, but they are by far the minority.
The trails are certainly much quieter in winter, and the views often crisp, but the temperatures are icy, and night-time temperatures can drop to around –20° C. Also, the wind chill can drop the temperature by a further 10 degrees.
Further, the chances of high passes being closed as a result of snowfall mean you can become stranded. Finally, certain passes, like the Cho La Pass are routinely closed in winter, leaving only certain routes open to winter trekkers.
For most of us, traveling to Nepal is a major expense and time commitment, and so it’s important to choose a window of time that can best guarantee the sort of weather to make the trek both feasible and enjoyable. It is important to note that Helicopters are used pretty frequently to access Lukla.
This is an additional cost of approximately $500 per seat per journey so you need to budget for this.
Optimal Weather Windows
Both the ABC and EBC trek routes have sections in a temperate zone and because the Annapurna Base Camp is at lower elevation you can trek in February and December. The Everest trek can colder in these months, but we think they are two of the better months for trekking to Mount Everest. I personally prefer March and November for trekking to Everest Base Camp.
It’s arguably wiser to only take on Everest Base Camp or the Annapurna Base Camp Trekking routes in winter if you’re a very experienced trekker and know that you know you have all the necessary equipment and clothing.
Peak Seasons
The peak trekking seasons for both the Everest Base Camp and Annapurna treks are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These periods offer the most stable weather conditions, more clear skies, and breathtaking mountain views, making them ideal for trekking in the Himalayas.
Seasonal changes occur almost simultaneously in both regions, bringing warmer temperatures and vibrant landscapes in spring, when rhododendrons and other alpine flowers are in full bloom. In autumn, the monsoon rains have cleared, leaving behind fresh, crisp air and some of the clearest visibility of the year.
These seasons not only provide the best trekking experience but also reduce the challenges posed by extreme weather and poor trail conditions, which can occur in the summer monsoon or winter months.
Everest Base Camp Trek Peak Seasons
Peak seasons for the EBC trek are late March to mid May (spring) and late September to November (autumn). March is a great time for trekking to Mount Everest.
Many enjoy trekking in spring because this is when Everest Base Camp is an active site, full of tents and climbers aiming for the summit. You can join one of our sleeping at Everest Base Camp Treks and you can join the party. Given that the destination of this trek is Everest Base Camp, it’s incredibly special to trek into such a historical place and stay there.
At other times of the year, one’s experience of reaching Everest Base Camp is of approaching an empty expanse that you only know to be your destination because of a sign surrounded by wind-battered prayer flags.
The other peak season – autumn – is the more popular trekking time with many because of the temperate weather and clear views. Many of the flowers will, however, be gone by this time of the year. We love trekking to Everest when there is nobody there.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Peak Seasons
Peak seasons for the Annapurna side are March, April and May (spring) and October and November (autumn). December is also a great time to make this journey.
Each peak season has different perks and drawbacks.
Spring, for instance, offers beautiful flowers, but there can be a bit of a haze at times. Autumn, on the other hand, offers steadier, warmer weather and better visibility, but you don’t have the spring flowers and fresh greenery along the lower half of the trek route.
Which Region is more Crowded
Both the Annapurna Base Camp Trek and EBC treks have grown in popularity in recent decades. There are pros and cons to this, such as better services and crowded trails respectively. If you choose to go in a peak season, which many do for the better weather, you have to accept that you’ll be sharing the route with many other trekkers.
Everest Base Camp Trekker Numbers
According to Nepal Tourism, in 2016 over 40,000 foreigners visited Sagarmatha National Park. Mount Everest, Everest Base Camp itself, and most of the EBC trek route lie within this park, and there are no roads, so we can take this number as a good indication of combined trekker and mountaineer numbers.
The bulk of EBC trekkers hike the route in one of the two peak seasons. A few hundred trekkers can join the route each day in peak season. Consequently, lodges and teahouses along the route can and do fill up over peak seasons and sometimes there are overflow trekkers who have to pitch tents for the night.
We book all accommodation in very specific lodges ahead of time to ensure we have access to the best available accommodation managed by the owner themselves.
Annapurna Base Camp Trekker Numbers
According to UNESCO, the Annapurna region receives about 60% of Nepal’s international trekking visitors, making it the more popular trekking area in terms of numbers. The challenge on the Annapurna Base camp trek is there are fewer beds available but helps with fewer people on the trail.
While we can’t put a finger on exact numbers, again we do know that lodges and tea houses along the Annapurna trail and Annapurna Circuit trek fill up during peak seasons, so we know that a few hundred trekkers can join the route each day in peak season.
Available Trekking Dates
Both the Everest trek and Annapurna Trek have similar peak trekking seasons, as the weather is much the same along both trek routes at any given time of the year. If you choose to join our award winning team on an Ian Taylor Trekking trek you can either check out our scheduled departures, or suggest gather your group for private trekking adventure.
The Real Cost
You have a lot of choices to choose from when it comes to trekking in Nepal. We only choose to pay our staff more, have more staff on each trip and a full time backup in Kathmandu. Read some reviews from our trips.
On an Ian Taylor Trekking trip we have 4 guides for every group of 10 trekkers. We have full time staff on the ground in Kathmandu and we have hand picked the lodges for better food and experience. We also cover insurance and health insurance for all staff. We have built four schools in Nepal and placed over 200 stoves in homes.
The Cost of Equipment
This is not cheap, but in my opinion important to invest in high quality gear and equipment and stay away from the low grade ethically questionable products lining the streets of Thamel in Kathmandu. You can rent some items form our office in Kathmandu.
International Flights
International flights costs have increased by 30% over the past number of years. It is important to explore you options. We are one world members and use American, British and Qatar airways. You should start by looking at skyscanner.com for a range of options for flights in and out of Kathmandu.
The Cost of Insurance
The minute you sign up for an adventure trek you should seek insurance cover for your trip. You can look at a range of options with World Nomads, Tin Leg and True traveler.
We recommend having travel insurance and we require helicopter evacuation cover.
The longer the trek, the more expensive it is, naturally. Also, a helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Lukla return adds substantially to the cost.
Equipment
For first-time trekkers, or those who haven’t before trekked at high altitude, there will be a necessary financial outlay in obtaining the gear needed for the cold and harsh climates hiked in the higher parts of both of the treks. Your Annapurna gear list and Everest Base Camp gear list are similar but depending on the month you travel the gear and kit will be different.
The Khumbu Glacier
The Khumbu Glacier is the world’s highest glacier stretching from 24,000 feet down to the Everest memorial at 15,800 feet. The Khumbu Glacier has a large icefall known as the Khumbu Icefall on its west end. EBC is situated at the foot of the Khumbu icefall, and so is a very real goal post to work towards on the trek.
Gokyo Lakes
The Gokyo Lakes, a World Heritage Site, is a true highlight of our EBC and Gokyo Lakes trek itinerary. Six main lakes make up the Gokyo Lakes, with Thonak Lake being the largest.
The lakes are the world’s highest freshwater lake system. They’re an otherworldly sight: pale blue water completely surrounded by barren slopes and snow-capped peaks. Or, in winter, pale water surrounded by a world of white.
One of the beautiful Gokyo Lakes, where we spend two nights during the Everest Base Camp trek via Gokyo.
Join the Experts
Trekking in Nepal and into high and extreme altitude in no easy feat. Trekking above 4,500m (14,000 feet) can be dangerous so this requires unique itineraries and specific physical preparation to be able to trek with a group while remaining safe.
Our award winning service, team and itineraries are crafted with safety in mind. We have 5 full time staff on the ground in Kathmandu available to fully support your trek.
We have a team in the US available 5 days a week who have all trekked and slept at Everest Base Camp. Get in touch and learn from our experience and start planning your trek to Nepal today. I hope this page on Everest Base Camp verses Annapurna Base Camp was a useful tool as you prepare for your trek in Nepal.